The Northwest Public Works Institute (NWPWI) is a program of instruction for public works executives who would like to attain a higher degree of proficiency as leaders and managers. The Washington and Oregon Chapters of the American Public Works Association (APWA) jointly operate and sponsor the Institute.

The program consists of three courses offered in Oregon and Washington that, taken in their entirety, provide public works professionals with skills needed to advance in supervisory and management positions up to and including Public Works Director.

While it is recommended that students take all three courses leading to a Certificate of Competency, the individual courses also satisfy the needs of public works professionals at different stages in their career.  Each of the three courses consists of 30 hours of instruction over a four day period.  Completion of all 90 hours is recognized with a Certificate of Completion awarded by the Northwest Public Works Institute and National APWA.

This NWPW event qualifies for reimbursement under WCIA’s Training Reimbursement Program upon program completion. New for 2021, Reimbursements will fall under the WCIA 1% training reimbursement allotment or the Scholarship program.  All reimbursement requests must be submitted thru the WCIA Origami Member Portal by the designated WCIA Origami user. Contact WCIA Member Services at memberservices@wciapool.org for questions or details on the reimbursement process or designated Origami User.
If you happen to be contacted with WCIA Reimbursement questions, please have the person follow up with our Member Services Team at 206-575-6046 or memberservices@wciapool.org.

2022 NWPWI Workshop Schedule Coming Soon!
Cost is $500 which includes breakfast and lunch on all 4 days.
Location: TBD.

Look for in-person classes to resume in October 2022 with availability for new registrants. 

Typical Classes:

Public Works Essentials

This class consists of lecture, case studies and exercises cover the following topics: the fundamentals of supervision and management in public works, dealing with bureaucracy, and a class project on public works operations. Full description available here. 

Developing Leaders

This class consists of lecture, case studies and exercises cover the following topics: effective leadership styles, team dynamics, problem solving and decision making, organizational behavior and a class project. Full description available here. 

Public Works Leadership Skills

This class consists of lecture, case studies and exercises cover the following topics: Setting a Path for Yourself, Relations with Organizational Entities, Working with Teams & Employees, Management Systems with class project. Full description available here.